February Union Avenue apartments for hospital workers was proposed, a Bay Shore family was featured on a Food Network show, “Kitchen Crash,” and local businesses requested 10 p.m. COVID-19 curfew be lifted. The Bayview senior housing was put on hold and the school district discussed the future of the Masera property. Also, a new church was proposed for Manatuck Boulevard. Lastly, Islip Town talked about their plans for a skate park for Roberto Clemente Park.

March The Islip NAACP pushed the town to revise their districts, Islip Fire District failed to maintain accurate financial records, and a new animal care center was proposed in West Islip. Schools transitioned to full-time in-person learning, construction started at Islip Town’s new animal shelter, and Tritec received $2.5 million grant for affordable housing at Touro College site.

April This month, the apartments for hospital staff were approved for development, Rabbi Stillerman celebrated Passover with town supervisor Angie Carpenter on a front-cover shot. The privatization of Atlantique sparked outrage, Great South Bay Brewery created a “HOPSital Heroes” special beer, and Sen. Gillibrand sought to cut prescription drug costs for seniors.

May In May, school organizations showed interest in the Masera property, Orinoco Drive saw revitalization, Pure Barre opened in Bay Shore, Legis. Fleming announced her run for Congress, Bay Shore schools looked to purchase electric buses, and South Shore boating launched a private event charter.

June This month, the town looked reduced building setbacks for Tritec, EI baseball started the season with a shutout, and the community celebrated veterans on Memorial Day. Rock City Dogs opened and we reviewed it, and EI Board of Education results had a tabulation error.

July Beautiful swans graced the first front cover of July, BayWAy made its return, and we featured local school districts’ graduation ceremonies. The chamber addressed the homeless problem in Bay Shore, and Islip High School held a vigil for the 200 geese killed on their fields.

August This month, St. Mark’s held a successful food drive and an Islip native competed in Miss New York. Brightwaters began their gazebo renovation and East Islip resident Kyle Engblom won a specialized bike, and there was a fatal shooting in Central Islip. At the end of the month, 94 swimmers took part in the annual Maggie Fischer Memorial Cross Bay Swim.

September Brightwaters held their Snapper Derby and the cutest kid holding a fish and an ice pop took the cover. There were Fire Island shark sightings, we featured nearby dog-friendly parks and welcomed students back to school. The redistricting commission redrew the county legislative and congressional lines, and we remembered the 20th anniversary of 9/11.

October Our reporter started her “Historical Corner” columns, we gave you a guide to fall happenings, “Cabaret” opened at the Argyle Theatre, Islip Town unveiled a new fire museum, and Brightwaters opted out of retail cannabis dispensaries. East Islip football went undefeated and Bay Shore continued to address their homeless issue. Also, lofts were proposed for the former cinema site in Islip.

November The Islip Town Animal Shelter opened this month. On Election Day, Republicans took over the county legislature majority. Zippi sought a special-use permit, but later withdrew their application. Islip Town budget passed with a small decrease for homeowners, and veterans were highlighted for Veterans Day. East Islip football also took home the county championship.

December Last month, we started the holidays with a tree lighting at Wohseepee Park in Brightwaters, Town Hall hosted a holiday parade, and there was a record turnout for Chanuakah in Main in Brightwaters.